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| Photo Credit: Marjorie Pullman |
| Be sure to check the plant’s root system for any hidden pests before bringing it indoors. |
Yes, it’s that time again: Fall is in the air and winter’s on its way. While some people dread the snow to come, I enjoy it…especially looking out at it from my window with a cup of hot cocoa in my hand, dreaming of the next gardening season. Of course, this planting season has to be put to bed first, and that means making sure any tender plants you want to save are brought inside for winter protection before that first killing frost comes.
Whether you’ve got some containerized palm trees on your patio that serve double duty indoors as houseplants in winter, some tender perennials you plan on digging up and rescuing from winter’s chill, or you’ve just given your houseplants a nice holiday outside, the first thing you must do before bringing any plant indoors is a thorough pest inspection. So before you move that plant an inch (because movement could scare any pests into hiding), start scouting. | Add Photo to Journal |  | | Photo Credit: Marjorie Pullman | | Remove the top layer of soil from all plants no matter how free of pests they seem to be. |
Check the foliage, stems, all nooks and crannies, and the undersides of leaves. I suggest even using a magnifying glass and small flashlight, as well as any other helpful tools to find smaller pests like spider mites. Even if the plant itself looks good, scoop out 1- 2 inches of the topsoil it’s sitting in – some pests may be hiding down there. Pull the plant out of its container to check its roots, too. If you have to dig the plant out of the ground for indoor transport, be sure to knock off as much of the soil from the root ball and top of the plant as you can to see what may have infiltrated the root system.
Next, give your houseplant or transplant a “shower.” Just squirt a bit of mild dish detergent into a quart of liquid and transfer the solution into a spray bottle. Spray all over the plant, followed by a gentle rinse of warm water. If you see any bits of dirt or remaining pests, egg sacks or cocoons, wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or use tweezers if the lingering bits are stubborn. Once the plant is clean and you’ve confirmed it’s pest-free, you can ready it for its return to the great indoors. You’ll need a clean pot. If you want to reuse the one it lived in outside, be sure to sanitize it before repotting with a 10-to-1 water-to-bleach solution. Add fresh potting soil and move the plant indoors. Now, even though you’re certain your plant isn’t housing any pests, it’s still good practice to keep any plant you’ve moved inside away from your regular houseplants for a few weeks – just in case you missed any sneaky pests during your inspection and cleaning.
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| Warnings |
- If you’re caring for a pest- or disease-ridden plant, be sure to sanitize your rubber or gardening gloves afterward (or before handling healthy plants). Also be sure to sanitize any tools you use on infected plants, like tweezers. You can clean them with a 10-to-1 bleach solution.
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| Tips |
- Use a jeweler’s loupe or a magnifying head visor to help detect pests. Sure, you may look like a mad scientist out in the garden, but most plant pests are very small.
- Do your plant inspection and cleaning outdoors. Why invite the multi-legged enemy into your home? If this isn’t possible, do your inspection and cleaning far away from where your regular indoor houseplants are kept.
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| Facts |
- Plants undergo shock when they’re moved inside. They’ll fare better if you can replicate the conditions they experienced outdoors as much as possible.
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| Faqs |
- Q: How do I clean porous clay pots?
A: When cleaning terra-cotta or clay pots, it’s best to wash the dirt off first and soak the pot completely in a 10-to-1 water-to-bleach solution. Since clay pots are porous, disease can seep deep within the walls. So soak them overnight and then let them dry out in the sun before reusing.
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| Resources |
- When scouting for plant problems, it’s a good idea to have a pest and disease guide handy – preferably one with pictures. The American Horticultural Society’s Pests and Diseases: The Complete Guide to Preventing, Identifying and Treating Plant Problems (DK Adult) is a good resource.
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